Four former Chelsea youth team footballers are taking the club to the High Court over alleged racial abuse in the 1980s and 1990s, reports BBC Sport.

The players claim their careers were ruined by the abuse, which a Barnado's review said was "instigated" by former coach Gwyn Williams, and are seeking damages.

Williams has denied "any and all" allegations of racism.

In August 2019, Chelsea, who have initiated anti-racism initiatives in recent years, apologised to "all players who experienced this deeply shocking behaviour". They have not admitted liability or personally apologised to those affected.

Chelsea have paid five-figure sums to two former footballers who were sexual abuse victims of ex-chief scout Edward Heath.

But the four racism cases, first reported by The Athletic, are being prepared for the High Court in early 2022 and are understood to involve larger sums of money.

As a result, Chelsea's case will be handled by their insurers.